UFC welterweight Lyman Good says he pulled out of UFC 249 after testing positive for coronavirus
UFC welterweight Lyman Good, who was previously scheduled to compete at UFC 249, tested positive for the coronavirus during his training for the event, he told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
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Good is the first known active UFC fighter to test positive for the virus.
UFC welterweight Lyman Good tested positive for COVID-19. He is the first active UFC fighter to publicly reveal he had Coronavirus.
He was supposed to fight at UFC 249 but was forced to withdraw.
Thanks to @lymangoodmma for sharing his story with me: https://t.co/RzmIBnYsBI— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 20, 2020
Good was initially supposed to face Belal Muhammad at UFC 249 on April 18, but was reported to be scratched with an undisclosed injury two weeks before the event was scheduled. That “injury” turned out to be a case of COVID-19.
Good said he took precautions against the virus while training for UFC 249, limiting his training to “only certain people in the gym.”
His symptoms were described as significant fatigue, but no cough. He recalled having “labored breathing” after a training session, but thought it wasn’t too unusual. After a particularly rough day, he and his girlfriend both got tested and found out they were positive.
Good said he informed everyone he had contact with and the UFC of his diagnosis, and mentioned he received a call of support from UFC president Dana White.
White had been pushing to still hold UFC 249 despite the pandemic, attempting to circumvent state mandates and hold the event on California tribal land. The event was eventually axed once broadcast partner ESPN stepped in.
Despite his diagnosis, Good said he was “grateful” for the UFC’s attempts to hold events amid the coronavirus.
“There’s a lot of negative, a lot fear and a lot of bad circulating around in the world and in the media,” Good said. “Maybe this would be a good distraction. If any of those people who were criticizing the UFC had the opportunity to make money, you’re going to tell me they’re going to say no? They’re not going to try to make money and bring food to the table?”
The 34-year-old Good has previously held the Bellator welterweight championship and joined the UFC in 2015.
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